A GROUP which works for the preservation of Ilkley's heritage has increased its membership to more than 100 people as it gears up to apply for charity status.

At its annual general meeting last week, Ilkley Civic Society reported that the membership had increased.

Chairman Helen Kidman reported that the society had made steady progress throughout the year in which it was preparing to become a registered charity.

She said the members had been involved in a variety of projects and activities aimed at improving the environment of Ilkley for the future.

Mrs Kidman said: "We have strongly supported the Ilkley Design Statement Group, with about 25 Civic Society members involved in research, writing, fundraising and publicity.

"This worthwhile project saw the publication and successful launch of the Design Statement on March 20 and ongoing effort will be required to ensure that the statement is adopted as supplementary planning guidance and the conservation area extensions are approved."

She also said that the Civic Society had contributed to smaller-scale campaigns such as paving The Grove, fencing along the Dales Way riverbank path, trying to improve the access to Ilkley Railway Station from the north side and pressing for the adoption of the Ilkley Moor Management Plan.

"During the year, every planning application for Ilkley has been examined, and formal comments have been made on a large number of them. Through using e-mail, we have ensured that the Civic Society's comments have been made in time when we have chosen to comment," said Mrs Kidman.

Treasurer Denise Shillitoe reported that the finances were sound in the face of steeply rising costs, particularly for insurance.

In preparation to becoming a registered charity, the society has produced an annual report, which is available to members of the public either through the society, its website or at the public library.

Graham May remains the President. The new elected Vice-President is John Finney. The Executive Committee was elected as follows: Chairman, Helen Kidman; vice-chairman, Graham Peacock; hon treasurer, Denise Shillitoe; hon secretary, Alex Cockshott. Executive Committee: Kate Brown, Bob Tilley and David Blackburn.

The society has also released details of its 2002/3 programme of meetings as follows: A visit to the Halifax Conservation Area has been arranged for Saturday June 8.

Members (and others interested) can either make their own way to Halifax or travel by train, via Bradford leaving Ilkley at 09.22, aiming to meet at Halifax Station at 11am. This visit is specifically to look at Conservation Area features such as signage, traffic arrangements and shop fronts.

Sunday September 15 - Sylvan Suburbs Heritage Walk - East Ilkley from Ilkley Station 2pm.

Thursday evening meetings Church House - 7.30pm.

October 24 - UDP/Town Design Statement - progress.

November 28 - Lost Buildings of Ilkley - an Ilkley Arts Festival Event.

February 27 - Bradford 2020 Vision.

March 27 - Traffic and Local Issues

April 24 - Colin Speakman on the Yorkshire Dales National Park and AGM.

l Ilkley Civic Society is an independent voluntary organisation. Membership is open to anyone interested in the future of Ilkley.